August Update: Cleaner Streets, New Resources, and a Few Things Worth Knowing
Litter pickups, dog waste stations, a new WhatsApp community, neighborhood resources, and what's happening around Lakewood this month.
Hello neighbors!
One of the most passionate issues we discussed at the start of the year was litter and dog waste management. The Birdtown Coalition has successfully hosted two Flock & Pick litter clean up events with neighbors, and collected well over 30 pounds of trash both times. Come out and join us for the next one. We meet the third Saturday of every month at 5pm at a pre-determined location. In August, we’ll meet at the Thrush and Halstead intersection by the entrance to Madison Park. Bring gloves and a bucket – we have grabber tools!
From the administrative side, we officially asked about having dog waste stations installed around the neighborhood. I’m happy to say that the city and public works is now looking into the cost of putting a dog waste station on the path too Madison Park. This is a huge first step to creating cleaner and safer Birdtown streets.
Now, we’re trying to plan a few more formal (Block Party) and informal (Porch/Garden Socials) community events. Read on for a few more updates on our end.
Birdtown now has a WhatsApp Community
We started this because email is too formal for “anyone want to come over Saturday?” and not everyone is on Facebook. Neighbors should have an easier way to stay in touch — something casual, something private, something that actually fits how people talk to each other.
Gathering Resources and Making a Guide
We’ve been building our resources page here on our website! You’ll find practical resources for living in Birdtown — whether you’re new to the block or have been here for years. Renter and homeowner resources are covered separately, along with general neighborhood information that applies to everyone (This is still a big work in progress, too). There’s a parking map, information about city leadership, who to contact for complaints, and more in one centralized location.
With the new resources page, I want to include tips from neighbors! What is something you learned way too late that you think new residents should know now? We’ve had great input at some of our community meetings like Apples to Apples for energy rates, using the MyLakewood App to report issues, and to text FirstEnergy when there’s a power outage. What else would you tell a new neighbor about? Let us know here!
Quail Street Construction
The construction was an asphalt resurfacing project and is the only one scheduled for our neighborhood, according to the city’s website!
More updates around the city:
Lakewood Arts Festival is Saturday, August 1. More on their website >
The W. 140th St. entrance ramp to I-90 eastbound will be closed through December for ramp reconstruction and work on the adjacent I-90 bridge. ODOT’s announcement >
The City of Lakewood wants you to adopt your nearest drain. Read more about Adopt-A-Drain >
Lakewood City Council is considering taking legal actions against FirstEnergy. WKYC covered the story >